“That’s not true, Rose. That’s never been true,” the Doctor said softly.
---
“Whatever” Rose said sadly
---
The Doctor’s shoulders sagged a little bit. “No. Not ‘whatever’. You know, I… I thought you knew me… understood… but either I was wrong or you’re just…” He gave a shake of his head, leaning back in the chair. “I was so happy to see you after what happened. And now all I get is ‘whatever’? I know I hurt you, Rose but… Tea, I’ll go and get some tea,” he muttered, pushing himself up out of the chair. The sudden urge to run pushing him up, to not finish the words, even though he wanted to. Rose wasn’t the only one hurting but human emotions were more obvious.
---
“But what?! You have to actually tell me sometimes...I thought I knew you, but now...sometimes you seemed like two people...fire and ice...and then other times...you were my Doctor, and we were going to be together forever...Where and when I come from now...we need you, they need you, but they don’t have you, they have me...only I wasn’t ready...I’m not a hero, I’m a girl from the Powell estate who fell in love with an alien...and I knew I had to be who they needed, to make you proud of me...to make you love me, but you were never there to see, to tell me it was going to be OK at every funeral...I need you to tell me...I’m not telepathic...that’s just you.” Rose murmured.
---
The Doctor stopped at the door and turned back to look at her. “Oh Rose… I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I would have been there if I could have.”
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“I know...and I don’t need tea...I need you” Rose murmured
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“I’m right here,” the Doctor said softly as he moved back over to her bedside. “I’m sorry I didn’t wake you up in time.”
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“It’s just another few scars...Doctor...I think I have to give John a chance.”
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“I promised I wouldn’t let the nightmares get far enough to hurt you…” The Doctor ran a hand down his face, feeling that flash of jealousy go through him again at her words. “He’s…”
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“I’ve learned...you may not mean to break your promises, but things happen...and he’s what?” Rose asked
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The Doctor gave a small shake of his head. “I’m not sure he would want me to tell you that. Not yet anyway.”
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“You really need to now.” Rose replied
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The Doctor sighed softly. “You asked why he is like he is with you? Like I said, human emotions are more obvious.”
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“He’s in love with me?” Rose asked “And you?”
----
The Doctor lowered his gaze, not looking at her. He made a small cough-like sound in the back of his throat, absently tugging at his ear. “Well, I was going to say he’s half human.”
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“You really did just mean quite right too didn’t you? I’m giving John a shot.” Rose murmured
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The Doctor opened his mouth to say something else but the sound of John returning at that moment interrupted him. He gave a small shake of his head. “Well, you don’t need me anymore, I’ll leave you alone,” he muttered moving to leave, pushing down his emotions.
---
“You know, I’m always here...because it was always you that needed me, and I’m still here for that.” Rose replied.